Revealed: Why PBKS' Shikhar Dhawan didn't attend IPL 2024 captain's conclave in Chennai ?

Jitesh Sharma represented Punjab Kings at IPL 2024 captain’s conclave instead of Shikhar Dhawan.

The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is set to begin on 22nd March with a high-voltage clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The 10-team event will be a blockbuster for fans as this will mark the beginning of a new era in the league. After Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, CSK skipper MS Dhoni has also decided to step away from leadership role.

A captain’s conclave was held in Chennai ahead of the first match of IPL 2024, where Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shikhar Dhawan’s absence was noted by many as PBKS sent Jitesh Sharma as their representative. Punjab wicket-keeper Jitesh’s presence in place of Dhawan fueled speculations of PBKS switching to a young option as leader of the side. But later it was clarified that Jitesh is PBKS’ new vice-captain and he attended the event in stead of Dhawan.

Why Dhawan missed captain’s photoshoot?

According to a report in MyKhel, Dhawan has a minor illness, which is why he wanted to avoid travelling ahead of IPL 2024 and hence missed the event. However, the newly confirmed vice-captain Jitesh Sharma attended the event and posed along with other nine captains. Jitesh will assist Dhawan in leadership role in the coming season. Dhawan is expected to be fit in time for PBKS’ opening game of the season.

“As indicated in the IPL announcement, Jitesh Sharma is now officially the vice-captain of Punjab Kings for this season. Shikhar Dhawan’s absence from today’s travel was due to a minor illness. He is expected to recover in time for PBKS’ inaugural match against Delhi Capitals on Saturday (March 23),” said sources as quoted by MyKhel

Sources close to the PBKS setup also revealed that Shikhar Dhawan is actively training with the side in Mohali. PBKS will play their opening game against Delhi Capitals at newly constructed Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium at Mullanpur in Mohali. PBKS are still searching for their maiden IPL title. Out of 16 IPL seasons, PBKS have reached the finals only once.

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